Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Fargo’s Rodney L. Jones III

Rodney L. Jones III is the future of Hollywood and a rising talent to keep your eye on. But don’t take our word for it, just ask co-star Chris Rock, who sang Rodney’s praises after working together on Season 4 of FX’s acclaimed hit series, Fargo. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Rodney for a fun conversation about how he got started in the industry, what fans can expect from his character in Fargo, and a spooky new project that he has coming out soon.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Rodney: I did theater in summer camp and then started doing theater with companies like Steppenwolf. I realized that what I was doing was really fun and that it was something I wanted to continue to do. A little later, I started doing commercials and TV.

PC: You’re joining the cast of Fargo this season. What should fans know about your character?
Rodney: Fans should know that Satchel is the youngest son of crime boss Loy Cannon. Satchel has been thrust into this family business without a choice of whether or not he wants to do it and without growing up enough to be ready for it. He has to be ready for it in the moment; he has to grow up now and become a man to deal with it. That’s what fans can expect. He faces his challenges, and he learns and grows from them.

PC: How did you prepare to play this character?
Rodney: When I got the role, I did research on the 1950s—what clothes they wore, how they behaved, and how they spoke. I asked my grandfather and grandmother what life was like back then because they were children at the time. That’s how I prepared for it.

PC: How similar or different are you to Satchel?
Rodney: We’re similar in ways. We’re both aware of what’s going on around us. We take what we learn and experience and apply it to our lives. I’ve also been told that I’m very stoic. At times, I’ll be quiet and staring off in the distance.

PC: You’re getting to star opposite Chris Rock. What was it like working with him? Did he share any words of wisdom with you?
Rodney: Chris is an awesome actor. I enjoyed working with him. I also enjoyed watching him and what he was doing. He took risks, which he was great at. He’s also really funny. I enjoyed beating the crap out of him in the first episode when we were in the car and I didn’t want to go. When we were close to wrapping, he told me that I was getting ready to be a big star and that everything was coming up Rodney.

PC: That’s the perfect segue to this next question. This is a breakout television role for you. What was the biggest takeaway from this experience?
Rodney: As an actor, I learned to trust my instincts. If there’s something that I feel I should be doing during my scene, like taking a risk, then I should do it.

PC: You’re also going to be starring in the upcoming Candyman. Is there anything you can tease about that project?
Rodney: It was so much fun to film. It’s going to be scary—that’s one thing you should definitely know! Everyone should check it out next summer once it’s in theaters and once everything is safe again.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Rodney: Star Wars: The Clone Wars. I grew up watching that show and I loved it.

PC: Favorite movie?
Rodney: It has to be Star Wars again. It’s hard to pick which one, but I think I’d say the whole original trilogy and then Episode 3.

PC: Favorite book?
Rodney: It’s Darth Plagueis, which is also Star Wars.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Rodney: Hamilton. I would give it ten out of ten. The first time that I saw it was on my birthday. It wasn’t a great experience because I was up really high, so I could barely see anything, plus I was super tired. But the second time, I was in the third row. It was so great.

PC: Favorite band or artist?
Rodney: Queen. I love listening to rock and older music.

To keep up with Rodney, follow him on Instagram. Watch new episodes of Fargo every Sunday at 10/9c.

Photo Credit: Elizabeth Morris/FX